The corruption case involving land matters could be a precusor for a battle in Umno, claim the opposition.

According to Johor PKR deputy chief Jimmy Pua, state exco Abd Latif Bandi, whose son and special officer have been arrested over the matter, is close to Menteri Besar Khaled Nordin.

He claimed that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak might use the case to make a move against Khaled, a first term menteri besar.

“I think a showdown between the Umno leadership and Johor Umno is imminent. Everyone knows that Khaled has two right hand men in his cabinet, and Abdul Latif is one of them,” he told Malaysiakini.

The opposition believes Khaled and Najib have not been on the same page since the menteri besar did not appear to be supportive of the prime minister over the 1MDB case.

Echoing a similar stand, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) deputy president Salahuddin Ayub, who hails from Johor, said: “I have a feeling that the graft investigations could lead to a power struggle between the Umno leadership and local Johor Umno leaders.”

“Khaled and all Johoreans would be the victims if that happens,” he added.

On the other hand, Johor DAP publicity secretary Wong Shu Qi speculated that Khaled might have to make sacrifices to maintain his grip on power.

“Khaled has put in a lot of resources to spruce up his image. He won’t let Abd Latif spoil everything,” said the Senai assemblyperson.…more
Graft case may set stage for Umno battle, claim opposition
2 Mar 2017 – Malaysiakini